WasteServ applies to turn dumping area into family park

Wasteserv, the company that runs the waste recycling plant in Marsascala, has submitted an application to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to turn a neighbouring disused dumping area into a family park.

According to the plans, the park would include a tractor park and walk area, picnic and recreation area, a sheltered and multipurpose area, an amphitheatre, a sports area with four five-a-side football pitches, bocci pitches and a garden centre area.

WasteServ has already received requests from clubs that run nurseries to use the facilities.

The outline application for a development permit is independent of the application for the recycling plant and is in line with the local plan. A lengthy project description statement has also been submitted to MEPA, which is expected to launch the consultation process about it shortly.

Unless there are hitches, the application should be determined by mid-February. The area of the park covers around 50,000 square metres.

Earlier last month, WasteServ also presented the full development application for work to start on the upgrading of the Sant' Antnin waste recycling plant.

The project, mainly financed through EU cohesion funds, will process a third of waste produced in Malta and Gozo and should be ready within nine months once work begins.

However the plant has been heavily opposed, especially by the Committee Against The Proposed Recycling Plant which represents nine local councils and a number of Marsascala organisations.

MEPA approved the outline development application for the project last September. One of the biggest concerns of residents was the smell caused by the plant, but WasteServ has been trying to allay fears by stating that odours should be significantly reduced due to more advanced technology.